A few in Lyra

Couldn't agree more Stevie, it's a 50/50 split between finding and enjoying, there is also the added thrill of splitting a close pair, especially if it is at the limit of what your scope can achieve.

I also believe that it is the one branch of astronomy where colour is so evident, the planets display nice colour, but where else can you see greens and purples, ice blues and deep reds, lemon yellows and dazzling whites on the same night?

As for living on a planet in a double star system? Have you read Brian Aldiss's Helliconia series? It might make you think twice.

As a side note, what scope do you observe with Stevie?

I use the Celestron C6-SGT Paul, but without the goto switched on. I got this scope last summer and use it at home, while I use the 12" Lightbridge on trips to dark sites. Before that, I used the Tal 100mm refractor for all of my observing, so most of my notes refer to views seen with that scope.
I was never a great Brian Aldiss fan, more of an Arthur C Clarke man myself, but I'll try and dig out your recommendation sometime.

I had a Tal 100mm myself some years back, still regret to this day selling it.

A nice read Stevie. Between you and 'lunartic' Paul, I didn't know there were so many attractive double/variable stars up there worth keeping an eye out for. A bit of inspration has been creeping in to me from you guys.

Seanie, the first time I ever met Stevie, he gave me a copy of S&T 'Skywatch 2007' (in exchange for Playboy) and said 'There's a great article on doubles in there', and proceeded to tell me about Epsilon Lyrae (the double double)

He also gives me homework!

The last assignment was to split Beta Monoceros which I could only split to a double with the 105 but thanks to Neil's TMB 6" refractor, it easily split to show a great triple!

His enthusiasm is certainly contagious!

Hey Stevie, still got that issue of Playboy? Can I borrow it?

Paul you will have to get it from me since I am the clubs librarian now but there is a huge waiting list.

PS its from the 60's so hope you like swimsuits.